You’re burning out from searching for sports jobs and coming up empty-handed. If you continually hit bumps in the road and can’t seem to gain momentum, call a timeout. In the world of NASCAR, this is what pit stops are for — to take a brief rest and refuel to finish up the race strong.
Reinvigorating your sports career and job search requires time and patience with yourself. You won’t make big improvements overnight. Instead, you need a step-by-step strategy for cleaning up your professional presence and adjusting how you look for sports jobs.
To ensure you’re geared up to hit the job search full steam, follow this two-week career cleanse.
2-week cleanse to gear you up for your search for sports jobs
Day 1: The resume
Start with the most important document in your application. Review your resume and remove outdated roles that aren’t relevant to the sports jobs you’re pursuing. Replace jargon with keywords that align with the job descriptions so employers can find your resume in their applicant tracking system.
Day 2: Your mission and values
Get a clear idea of your core values, goals, and mission in your sports career. Align these with prospective sports jobs you want to apply to. This way, you’re pursuing a meaningful career, not just another paycheck.
Day 3: Your LinkedIn
Ensure your resume matches your LinkedIn profile. If employers notice a discrepancy, it raises red flags. Also, consider writing and sharing content, adding a summary, and sharing recommendations from previous employers and co-workers.
Day 4: Your Facebook
Contrary to what many people think, you should share your social media presence with potential employers. They want to get a better understanding of your personality and character. Adjust your privacy settings to make your profile public and present yourself in an authentic, professional way.
Day 5: Your other social media accounts
Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat to build a full social presence. This way, before employers even contact you, they will see you’re a great cultural fit.
Day 6: Your website
Our 2017 survey found that 22 percent of employers search for applicants online right after they receive an application. This is your first impression, so make it count. Build a professional site with a digital resume and online portfolio.
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Day 7: The fun day
Hired’s 2017 The Opportunity Index: Perceptions of Mobility & The Job Search report found that over eight in 10 job seekers say the job search is stressful. Use today to blow off some steam. Pursue something that interests you, like seeing a new movie, attending a sporting event, or visiting friends.
Day 8: The blog
You have already developed your online presence with social media and a personal website. Add to the wow factor by creating content that showcases your knowledge and expertise. According to our 2017 survey, one in four employers prefer candidates who start an industry-specific blog.
Day 9: The master list
At this point, your professional presence is ready to share with employers. But before you start applying to sports jobs, start identifying your favorite companies you want to work for. Add them to your Jobs In Sports Ideal Employer List.
Day 10: The reconnection
This is a great opportunity to reach out to colleagues and old bosses. Share an article or piece of content with them that might help with their current problems. This gesture shows you’re already trying to add value to the company.
Day 11: The engagement
Focus on building a rapport with contacts you know. This might include those who work for your ideal employers or others who simply work in the sports industry. As you engage, focus on contributing, not asking for favors.
Day 12: The handshake
Join a professional organization and sign up for networking events, on- and offline. In fact, 64 percent of employers say joining organizations helps you stand out, according to our survey.
Day 13: The rest day
Rest more. Remember, you need to step away and take care of your physical and mental health during your search for sports jobs. This is especially helpful if you’re stuck in a rut for a long time. Otherwise, you’ll get frustrated and continue to burn out.
Day 14: The Plan
Build a list of contacts you met at networking events, then schedule follow-ups. As you start building relationships, apply to sports jobs that align with your skills and, preferably, that are with your ideal employers.
The Finish Line
At the end of these two weeks, you will have built an awesome professional presence online that is ready to impress any employer. You also will have a clear idea of which sports jobs match your values and mission, which companies are best for you, and a growing professional network.
However, this isn’t a one-time fix. After your cleanse, focus on maintaining your network and online presence throughout your search for sports jobs and while you manage your career.
What do you expect to learn during this career cleanse? Share in the comments!
